Buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions. Whether it’s your first purchase or your fifth, the process can feel daunting, with plenty of pitfalls to avoid. From mortgages and surveys to legal paperwork and negotiations, there’s a lot to take on board. By arming yourself with the right information and working with a knowledgeable local estate agent, you’ll be better placed to make smart decisions and find the home that truly fits your needs.

A weekly countdown series of the most popular Cottage names in the UK . The countdown is based on the total number of Cottages sold in the last 10 years & the average value of those Cottages Next week will be 95 to 91 ..and 5 each week there after

Autumn may not be the first season that comes to mind when people think about moving, but it can be a surprisingly strong time to sell. Buyers who are still active at this stage of the year tend to be serious about completing before Christmas or the new year. With the right preparation, your home can stand out and attract motivated buyers even as the nights draw in.

Selling for the first time can feel overwhelming. Everyone has advice, most of it conflicting. Here are the key questions to ask every estate agent, plus the step-by-step process you’ll go through to launch your home the right way.